Arlelne (Henry) Hartford

Arlene Hartford (Henry), 95, of Plaistow, NH formerly of Merrimac, MA, passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2024 at Hannah Dustin Nursing Home.

She was born on September 1, 1928 in Merrimac, MA to Camille and Beatrice Henry where she lived for the majority of her life. She was a graduate of Merrimac High School in 1945. After high school, she met the love of her life, Kenneth. They were married on August 13, 1948 and were blessed with four children (Gail, Gary, Lee and Pamela).

Arlene worked for Western Electric in North Andover for almost 30 years before retiring. She would manage the household and children during the day and work in the evenings. Her favorite thing to do on Saturday night was to get dressed up and head out for a night on the town to listen to her favorite music and dance with her husband. She was a long time member of the Pioneers, which was a non-profit charitable organization for members of the telecommunications industry. After her husband’s untimely death, she moved to Plaistow to be close to her son, Gary. There she continued to work until retirement. She became a member of the American Legion and later in life would volunteer at the local Senior Citizen Center.

At 95 years old, Arlene was a spitfire. You would never see her without her red lipstick, her purse or her hair being done. She was a true lady. The healthcare workers at Hannah Duston lovingly referred to her as “Ms. Lipstick.” Her tenacity and fearless attitude is what kept her young at heart. She did it “her way.”

Arlene is survived by her son Gary Hartford and his wife LeeAnn of Plaistow, NH; son Lee Hartford and long time partner Laura Hull of Haverhill; daughter Pamela Matheson and her fiance Charlie Lavalley of Merrimac, MA. She is predeceased by her daughter Gail Decorleto of Jacksonville, NC and her loving husband, Kenneth Hartford of Merrimac, MA. She also leaves behind a niece, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be an hour of visitation on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 10 to 11 A.M. at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac, MA, immediately followed by a funeral service at the funeral home at 11 A.M. with a procession to Locust Grove Cemetery, Merrimac, where Arlene will be placed to eternal rest next to her beloved husband, Kenneth.